It is important that Chatham County residents should be aware of ongoing phone scams involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers in order to coerce victims into transferring money. These scams have been reported not just in Savannah, but also across the region and the country.

Scams often vary, but typically, the caller will identify themselves as a law enforcement officer and falsely inform the victim that a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, failing to show up for jury duty, having an overdue fine, or something similar. They then falsely claim that the victim will be arrested unless they make an immediate payment.

People lose a lot of money to scams, sometimes even their entire life savings. Scammers will use different tactics to cheat you out of your money. They might act friendly and helpful or threaten and scare you. Please don’t fall for their tricks.

Here are a few tips for handling these calls:
An employee of the Chatham County Sheriff's Office will never contact you by telephone to demand payment in any form, including money, checks, gift cards or other means. If you receive this type of call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY and report it to local law enforcement. Never provide or confirm your personal or financial information to anyone who calls claiming to be a law enforcement officer or associated with law enforcement. Outstanding warrants cannot be resolved over the phone. Warrants can only be cleared through the court. Confirm Jury service by visiting the Chatham County, GA - Court System - Jury Services (https://courts.chathamcountyga.gov/Superior/JuryServices/) or calling the Juror Information Line at (912) 652-7169. Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That’s a sign of a scam.

Anyone who has been the victim of a scam should notify their financial institution and report it to local law enforcement. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (912) 652-7600.